ISABEL MARANT, LOS ANGELES FLAGSHIP STORE

Isabel Marant decided once more to call on the office to design the new Los Angeles store, in popular WEHO (West Hollywood) district. The gardens that surround the property are filled with statues of French artist Arnold Goron, lending another French touch to the place. The store is on one floor and consists of a 200 square metre (2,150 square feet) private garden and a 150 square metre (1,615 square feet) retail space. The garden’s floral display is based on a green-colour chromatic study, that visually creates a circular motion from dark to light green. The lighter shades of the vegetation correspond to the sunniest parts of the garden. The diversity of species, sizes and shades of plants gives the garden a graphic appearance – typical of Californian gardens. Architecturally, this store reflects the warmth and intimacy found in houses, far from the usual retail stores norms.

The main space is flooded with natural light coming from large glazed facade and roof, and consists of two large solid oak wardrobes that adorn the walls and showcase Isabel Marant creations. These wardrobes can appear open or close whenever, according to desires and needs. The wood slat ceiling is designed as a tribute to the architecture of the 1950s “Case Study Houses”. In addition, large mirrors, a light grey polished concrete floor and both custom and mid-century furnishings surround the room. A central stage is used as a background setting for window display, and houses sculptures and other artists’ installations.

The second room is a dedicated space for the ‘Star’ collection, with its spacious dressing rooms and jewelry counter. Each dressing room is covered with tensioned fabric and fitted with a big solid oak seat and a full-length mirror. The office chose to pay specific attention to the design of tailor-made furniture that promotes cabinetmaking craftsmanship work.